Signs you might have bruxism
Jaw pain or fatigue on waking, morning headaches, worn, flattened or slightly cracked teeth, sensitivity to cold, clicking when you open your mouth or a stiff neck. Sometimes it is your partner who hears the grinding at night. Stress, poor sleep and certain habits often play a part.
What a night guard is
It is a rigid, clear splint made to measure on a mould of your teeth and worn at night. It stops your teeth from touching directly, spreads the force of your bite and helps the muscles relax. It is not the same as a sports mouthguard, which is softer and designed to absorb impacts.
How we do it
1. We assess your teeth, wear, bite and jaw joint.
2. We take a mould or a digital scan in a few minutes.
3. The lab makes your night guard to measure.
4. We fit and adjust it at the clinic so that your bite is balanced, then check it regularly.
Beyond the night guard
The guard protects, but it also helps to address the causes. We give you simple tips: relax your jaw during the day, avoid chewing gum or biting pens, cut down on caffeine in the afternoon and look after your sleep. If joint pain persists, we refer you to specialist physiotherapy. And if bruxism has already damaged a tooth, we rebuild it to restore its shape and function.
Frequently asked questions
Does a night guard cure bruxism?
It does not stop it, but it protects your teeth from wear and usually eases jaw tension and pain. We check and adjust it if your bite changes.
Is it hard to get used to sleeping with it?
You notice it the first few nights, but most people adapt within one or two weeks because it is custom-made and thin.
Does a pharmacy night guard work?
Standard guards do not fit your bite and can even overload the jaw joint. A custom guard adjusted by a dentist is safer and more effective.
Can I sleep in my sports mouthguard?
It is not recommended: a sports guard is softer and built for impacts. Bruxism needs a rigid guard adjusted to your bite.
How long does a night guard last?
Several years with good care. Rinse it every morning, brush it without abrasive toothpaste and store it dry in its case. Bring it to your check-ups so we can check the wear.
